The reason for close to six months of roadworks has been explained after temporary traffic lights caused congestion last week.

Salhouse Road in Sprowston is set to be disrupted by various stages of work in the months ahead, as a long-awaited cycle path is built on the Harrison's Wood side of the busy road.

The roadworks are due to continue until May and coincide with the key route into the city already being busy due to the lengthy Heartsease roundabout works.  

The work is being carried out by housing developers Persimmon Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Hopkins Homes, starting near the Racecourse carvery restaurant last week.

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Hundreds of homes have been built in the area in recent years, with house building continuing alongside the road for much of the distance to the NDR dual carriageway in the direction of Rackheath - another rapidly growing area.

Eastern Daily Press: Work in Salhouse Road started near the Racecourse carvery restaurant last weekWork in Salhouse Road started near the Racecourse carvery restaurant last week (Image: Google Maps)

A cycle path stretches for much of the road but stops just beyond the houses off Atlantic Avenue when it reaches the woods.

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However, work to rectify that situation as part of the pink route on Norwich's cycle network has started.

A spokesman for the housing consortium said: “We are currently undertaking works along Salhouse Road and Blue Boar Lane to deliver a new cycle path link as part of our commitment to sustainable travel solutions for residents moving to our new community. 

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“We would like to apologise to road users and residents for any disruption caused during these improvement works.” 

Eastern Daily Press: Cycle lanes are already in use further along Salhouse Road but come to a halt at Harrison's WoodCycle lanes are already in use further along Salhouse Road but come to a halt at Harrison's Wood (Image: Google Maps)

Trees were cut down to make way for the cycle routes in 2020 and the verges have been trimmed again as the work starts.

The housing consortium has previously been criticised for being slow to deliver community facilities on the White House Farm estate but a park in Overstrand Way was completed in August and work is progressing on a site proposed for a skate park off Blue Boar Lane.